Caregiver to nail creator: how a London mum unexpectedly found belonging in the nail industry
A work accident, supportive family and love for nails transformed Josephine Mensurah’s life from rehabilitation support worker to nail artist & content creator. The Nailympia London arena attracts all types of techs, from all over the globe. First-time competitor, Josephine Mensurah, took the bold move of jumping into the arena in…
This brand uses AI to apply techs’ designs to nails & pays them for their art
Would you like to reap financial rewards from your nail concepts, and perform and showcase nail artistry at speed? Meet Umia: the Canadian creator of a fully automated artificial intelligence (AI) manicure studio, which has gained global recognition since its soft launch two months ago and allows intricate patterns to…
Pro Beauty North Nail Competitions 2024: THE RESULTS
The Professional Beauty North (PB North) exhibition took place in Manchester Central, 29-30 September, and hosted a variety of nail competitions for professionals and students. The judging board was chaired by Marian Newman BEM, with Jacqui O’Sullivan head judge and her and Sean O’Sullivan competition directors. Also judging were Kirsty…
Top 40 announced in North America’s Star Nail Artist contest: Season 1
An impressive 30,000 nail artists across Canada, the USA and Mexico expressed interest in the first season of North America’s Star Nail Artist contest, and the top 40 techs – who will compete for a grand prize – have been revealed. Powered by the team behind Scratch magazine and Nailympia…
Want to elevate your nail art? Award-winning pro unveils memberships for all skill levels
The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, has announced the Sparkle Squad: a membership programme to empower nail artists. “Having worked as a nail tech for over 22 years, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with mastering nail art, says Katy Pottle. “After winning The World’s…
6 standout nail trends from the New York Fashion Week runway
The spring/summer 2025 beauty and fashion scene is officially underway, with New York Fashion Week flaunting a series of nail trends set to dominate the season. Here’s a round-up of 6 we’ve spotted that you need to note… 1. Seeing stars Nail artist, celebrity manicurist and educator, Julie Kandalec, aka…
Real diamonds for nails? It’s the next big thing – and not as pricey as you think
Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue and Lucy Hale have all been papped in Jessie Evans’ fine jewellery, but now the London-based entrepreneur has expanded her collection: launching a luxe range of reusable gemstones and 18ct gold accents for nails. Established in 2015, the Jessie V E brand is renowned for sentimental…
How to keep your nail business thriving during financially tough times
How can you keep your nail business booming, despite bruised client budgets? Elaine Watson, global education director at nail brand, Light Elegance, shares her ideas… Inflation has got everyone rethinking their spending, and a luxurious nail appointment may be on the financial chopping block. But fear not, fellow nail technicians!…
Nail Tech Talk: Kassie Payne of Nailz by Kass
Luxury press-on nail artist, Kassie Payne, shares what sparked her passion for creating portrait nail artistry and her social media journey, and reveals the journey to launching own range of nail products… Kassie joined the world of nails as a means of income. She says: “The first three years I…
Contest for North American nail artists opens for entry July 1
The team behind nail industry resource, Scratch magazine, and international nail competition, Nailympia, is exciting the North American nail sector with the launch of an online contest: North America’s Star Nail Artist. This exciting 11-month adventure, which begins July 1 2024, seeks to unite the North American nail sector: elevating…
How to master character nail art
If you or your clients are film fans, cosplay crazy, Disney holiday-goers or simply love sentimental or seasonal nail art, bring your favourite characters to life on nails with expert advice… Beginner level “Simple colour palette characters, like Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop, are great for beginners to create,” notes…
Ready to improve your nail art skills? MISSU invites you to a 14-day online challenge
Nail pros: practice and improve your nail art skills by taking part in a fun 14-day challenge, hosted by MISSU Nails. The innovative nail art brand is inviting techs to try a range of different designs from 6-19 May to expand their creativity, and be in with the chance of…
Salon in the Spotlight: The Apothecary Room, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Transforming a plain grey office space into a moody maximalist nail studio carefully curated with curiosities, oddities and antiques, April Kitson wanted to reflect a dark academia aesthetic through her salon décor. “My personal style is heavily influenced by Stevie Nicks and Morticia Addams, so I’ve used vintage and thrifted…
Nail Tech Talk: Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty
Hand-painted nail artist, Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty, Cambridge, shares her love for creating detailed designs and reveals where she finds inspiration for her bright and bold artistry… Having had a passion for nails from a young age, Bethany loved art and studied the subject in school, which inspired her…
Nail Tech Talk: Carla Brannan of Gelled Pretty
Following her success in winning two Scratch Snap competitions, Carla Brannan of Gelled Pretty shares her nail art journey and goals for 2024… Carla recalls a lifelong passion for beauty, having always known that her career would be in the industry. “I loved anything to do with hair, make-up and…
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